Plant Pests might feel intimidating to try to tackle so we’ve broken down some of the common plant pests and how to get rid of them.
Japanese Beetles
WHAT: Japanese Beetles are common plant pests that are invasive insects that have a metallic, emerald green and copper exterior.
WHERE: You can find them on roses, fruit trees, hibiscus, and over 100 more plants.
WHEN: During late June and Early July. They are most active on warm, sunny days.
WHY: Japanese beetles form in masses and eat the foliage of plants.
HOW TO GET RID OF JAPANESE BEETLES: Pesticides like a Tree and Shrub Drench can be applied in summer when the beetles are actively feeding. This can also be applied in Fall to attack the larvae.
Bagworms
WHAT: Bagworms are a species of moth that are about an inch long. Their larvae reside in brown ‘sacs’ that resemble tree bark.
WHERE: Bagworms eat over 100 plants but prefer evergreens such as arborvitae, cedar, juniper and spruce so they are a very common plant pest in our area.
WHEN: They are active in late June when feeding. If you see a large bag, you’re too late and the damage has been done.
WHY: Bagworms chew on buds and new growth on evergreen trees causing brown spots or even death.
HOW TO GET RID OF BAGWORMS: The most effective way to treat for bagworms is applying pesticides when they are actively feeding such as Liquid Dipel (BT) or Eight. Removing bags will reduce infestation for next year.
Scale
WHAT: Scale are tiny, flat, and typically rounded insects. There are soft scale and also armored scale.
WHERE: This common plant pest is found on the stems and undersides of leaves on many plants, especially house plants and saucer magnolias. If you see a black sooty mold covering your plant, that’s likely scale.
WHEN: Scale can be a problem any time during the growing season.
WHY: Scale suck out the sap from plants. This causes stunted growth or even death in severe cases.
HOW TO GET RID OF SCALE: The best treatment method is to spray with horticultural oil or dormant oil. Early spring is the best time as the bugs are coming to life. Also, be sure to prune off severely infested areas.
Spider Mites
WHAT: Spider mites are very hard to see spiders that multiply rapidly. Leaves may appear stippled and dull. There could also be faint webs on the underside of leaves.
WHERE: They are typically found on the leaves of trees, shrubs and tropicals.
WHEN: Spider Mites are active in late spring or early summer.
WHY: Spider mites are another sucking insect that drink the sap of the plant reducing its vigor and possibly causing death
HOW TO GET RID OF SPIDER MITES: Miticides, such as Triple Action, are a great treatment for these plant pests. Neem oil is another option.
Aphids
WHAT: Aphids are very tiny sapsucking insects. They are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Different species of aphids are different colors.
WHERE: Aphids can be found on nearly all plants but especially on vegetables, tropicals and annuals. They are typically located on the leaves and stems.
WHEN: Aphids are most active in late spring but can be active year round on indoor plants.
WHY: Aphids are another sapsucking insect that stunts plant growth. They can also transmit viruses from plant to plant.
HOW TO GET RID OF APHIDS: One treatment is to apply a pesticide such as a Tree and Shrub Drench or a Triple Action. Also, a soap-water mix can dislodge them.
All pesticides and miticides listed above are available at Superior Garden Center. These are the products that Rost’s Maintenance Division uses to control these common plant pests so we have seen real results!
